Legal & Advocacy

Local Arc chapter serving Sedgwick County, providing advocacy, employment services, and community support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

2919 W 2nd St N, Wichita, KS 67203

(316) 943-1191

Kansas · Wichita

Official U.S. Department of Justice resource on service animal rights under the ADA. Covers legal definitions, requirements for businesses, FAQ on where service animals are permitted, and how to file discrimination complaints.

1-800-514-0301

National

Federally mandated protection and advocacy system providing legal advocacy for Alabamians with disabilities.

Box 870395, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

205-348-4928

Alabama

The largest cross-disability membership organization in the US, promoting equal opportunity and empowerment. Provides advocacy resources, policy information, and guidance on respectful disability language.

2013 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

(202) 457-0046

National

Arizona's federally designated Protection and Advocacy system. A nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals with physical, mental, psychiatric, sensory, and cognitive disabilities through free legal services, advocacy, and investigations.

Arizona

Represents families in special education matters under IDEA, ADA, and Section 504 including IEP disputes, due process hearings, and school disciplinary cases. Free 30-minute initial consultation.

10427 North Street, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030

(703) 246-9270

Virginia · fairfax

Special education law firm with attorneys, advocates, and educational consultants helping families with IEP development, school selection, test score analysis, and professional referrals in Northern Virginia.

11710 Plaza America Drive, Suite 2000, Reston, VA 20190

(703) 758-5562

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Attorney specializing in estate planning, special needs trusts, and guardianship for families of individuals with disabilities.

(703) 745-5565

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Nonprofit providing evidence-based homeschooling guidance. Disability section covers recognizing disabilities, getting diagnoses, creating IEPs for homeschooled children, and finding credible therapy resources. Advocates for comparable access to testing and services.

National

National association of 3,400+ parent advocates and attorneys protecting the legal rights of students with disabilities. Offers SEAT advocate training and helps families find local advocates and attorneys.

National

Elder law and special needs planning firm offering special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, guardianship/conservatorship, estate planning, and fiduciary services.

4084 University Drive, Suite 202A, Fairfax, VA 22030

(703) 481-6464

Virginia · fairfax

Massachusetts' designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency providing information, referral, advice, short-term assistance, and legal representation for people with disabilities on disability-related civil legal issues. All services are free.

Massachusetts

Alaska's federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency. An independent nonprofit law firm providing legal advocacy, abuse and neglect investigations, self-advocacy training, and legal representation for people with disabilities. Offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.

1-800-478-1234

Alaska

Utah's designated Protection and Advocacy agency since 1978. Enforces and strengthens laws protecting disability rights through legal advocacy in areas including abuse prevention, accessibility, discrimination, assistive technology, special education, and fair housing.

960 S. Main St., Salt Lake City, UT 84101

(800) 662-9080

Utah

Virginia's designated protection and advocacy agency providing free legal services to people with disabilities, including special education, disability rights, abuse/neglect investigations, and ADA compliance.

1512 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23230

(800) 552-3962

Virginia · Richmond

Virginia's designated Protection and Advocacy organization providing free legal services and direct representation for Virginians with disabilities facing abuse, neglect, discrimination, and special education issues.

(800) 552-3962

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Colorado's Protection and Advocacy agency dedicated to eradicating discrimination, abuse, and neglect. Provides legal representation, investigation, advocacy, and education to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities and older people for nearly 50 years.

Colorado

Leading national nonprofit disability rights legal center that never charges clients for representation. Uses high-impact litigation and advocacy to reform systems that discriminate against people with disabilities.

National

Federally designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal advocacy and rights protection for Arkansans with disabilities.

400 W Capitol Ave, Suite 1200, Little Rock, AR 72201

501-296-1775

Arkansas

The largest disability rights organization in the nation and California's designated Protection and Advocacy agency. Provides litigation, legal representation, advocacy, investigations, and public policy work to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

California

New Hampshire's designated Protection and Advocacy agency for over 40 years. Protects, advances, and strengthens the legal rights of all people with disabilities through information, referral, advice, legal representation, investigations, and policy reform.

(603) 228-0432

New Hampshire

Kansas' designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal advocacy for people with disabilities.

635 SW Harrison, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66603

877-776-1541

Kansas

Connecticut's designated Protection and Advocacy System for individuals with disabilities. Provides legal advocacy on disability issues including abuse, neglect, discrimination, assistive technology access, community integration, voting rights, and employment. All services are free.

Connecticut

DC's Protection and Advocacy (P&A) program providing individual and systemic legal advocacy, community outreach, education, and investigation of abuse and neglect for adults, children, and youth with disabilities. Advocates for access to health care, housing, education, and employment.

District of Columbia

Delaware's federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency, providing free legal advocacy services to residents with disabilities on issues including education, housing, benefits, employment, accessibility, and assistive technology.

Delaware

National nonprofit providing disability civil rights litigation, parent training on special education rights, and advocacy resources. Operates a Parent Training & Information Center with sample letters and forms.

3075 Adeline Street, Suite 210, Berkeley, CA 94703

(510) 644-2555

National

Federally designated protection and advocacy organization providing free legal services to Floridians with disabilities.

800-342-0823

Florida

Idaho's designated Protection and Advocacy System since 1977. Provides free legal services, facility monitoring, self-advocacy assistance, and operates programs including PAIMI, PADD, PAIR, CAP, and PAAT to protect the rights of people with disabilities statewide.

Idaho

Iowa's designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal services and advocacy for people with disabilities.

666 Walnut St., Suite 1440, Des Moines, IA 50309

800-779-2502

Iowa

Federally designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal advocacy and rights protection for Louisianans with disabilities.

800-960-7705

Louisiana

Maine's designated Protection and Advocacy agency, providing no-cost advocacy and legal services to people with disabilities who have experienced a violation of their legal or civil rights. Employs 36 staff including 13 attorneys.

Maine

Maryland's designated Protection and Advocacy agency, providing free legal services and advocacy to persons with disabilities. Services include advice, counseling, negotiation, administrative remedies, and litigation, available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.

Maryland

Federally designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal advocacy and rights protection for Mississippians with disabilities.

601-968-0600

Mississippi

Montana's federally mandated civil rights protection and advocacy system with legal authority to represent almost any person with a disability. Provides information, education, advocacy, and legal representation to protect and expand human, legal, and civil rights of Montanans with disabilities.

Montana

Nebraska's designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal services and advocacy for people with disabilities.

134 S. 13th St., Suite 600, Lincoln, NE 68508

800-422-6691

Nebraska

New Jersey's designated Protection and Advocacy agency providing legal advocacy, self-advocacy training, and resources to expand and defend the rights of people with disabilities. Offers a robust collection of tools and resources for self-advocacy.

New Jersey

New Mexico's designated Protection and Advocacy agency providing free legal services and advocacy. Assists with special education, abuse and neglect, discrimination, vocational rehabilitation, Medicaid issues, assistive technology access, and voting access. Monthly drop-in legal clinics available.

3916 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM

(505) 256-3100

New Mexico

Federally and state-authorized Protection and Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program for people with disabilities in New York State. Provides free legal and advocacy services to protect and advance the rights of children and adults with disabilities.

(800) 993-8982

New York

Federally designated protection and advocacy organization providing free legal advocacy for North Carolinians with disabilities.

877-235-4210

North Carolina

Federally mandated protection and advocacy system protecting and advocating for the human and legal rights of persons with disabilities in West Virginia.

West Virginia

Ohio's designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal services and advocacy for people with disabilities.

200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43215

800-282-9181

Ohio

Oregon's Protection & Advocacy organization providing legal advocacy for people with disabilities. Children's Rights project focuses on special education, foster care, and systemic change.

(503) 243-2081

Oregon · Portland

Pennsylvania's federally-mandated protection and advocacy agency. Provides legal advice, advocacy, and referral services to over 6,800 callers annually through a toll-free intake system. Helps with disability-related issues in employment, education, housing, access, and voting.

1800 JFK Boulevard, Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19103

(800) 692-7443

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island's independent federally mandated Protection and Advocacy System, established in 1977. Administers nine federally funded programs providing individual representation, systems change advocacy, and investigation of abuse and neglect for people with disabilities.

Rhode Island

South Dakota's designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal services and advocacy for people with disabilities.

221 S. Central Ave., Suite 38, Pierre, SD 57501

800-658-4782

South Dakota

Federally designated protection and advocacy organization providing free legal advocacy for Tennesseans with disabilities.

615-298-1080

Tennessee

Texas's designated Protection and Advocacy agency providing direct legal assistance, protecting rights through courts, advocating for disability-friendly laws, and making referrals. Ensures full and equal participation in society for people with disabilities.

2222 West Braker Lane, Austin, TX 78758

(800) 252-9108

Texas

Vermont's designated Protection and Advocacy agency, providing information, referrals, and advocacy services including legal representation to individuals with disabilities. Established by Congress to strengthen oversight and protect people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and rights violations.

Vermont

Washington's designated Protection and Advocacy agency providing free legal advocacy to people with disabilities. Services include legal representation, systemic advocacy, information and referral, and rights protection in areas including education, employment, housing, and community access.

Washington

Wisconsin's designated Protection and Advocacy agency advancing the dignity, equality, and self-determination of people with disabilities through legal services and advocacy.

Wisconsin

Educational advocate with legal background specializing in helping families navigate the special education system and secure appropriate IEP services.

3224 Navy Drive, Herndon, VA 20171

(703) 620-0206

Virginia · herndon

Provides educational advocacy services helping families navigate special education, IEP development, 504 plans, and school disputes. Works with families to ensure children with disabilities receive appropriate educational services.

National

Illinois' federally designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal services and advocacy for people with disabilities.

20 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60602

800-537-2632

Illinois

Premier estate planning and elder law firm providing special needs trust planning, guardianship, Medicaid asset protection, and comprehensive special needs planning.

10640 Main Street, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030

(703) 691-1888

Virginia · fairfax

Federally designated protection and advocacy agency providing legal advocacy and rights protection for Georgians with disabilities.

One CNN Center, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30303

404-885-1234

Georgia

AV-rated firm serving Northern Virginia since 1980, offering special needs trusts, guardianship, conservatorship, powers of attorney, and estate planning.

10511 Judicial Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030

(703) 591-4900

Virginia · fairfax

Hawaii's Protection and Advocacy System for people with disabilities. Provides legal advocacy, investigations of abuse and neglect, and protection of rights through PADD, PAIMI, and PAAT programs. Serves all islands statewide.

1001 Bishop St, Ste 1110, Honolulu, HI 96813

(808) 949-2922

Hawaii

California special education law firm providing free legal representation for students with disabilities in IEP disputes, 504 plan issues, and school placement disagreements.

4859 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90056

California · Los Angeles

Home School Legal Defense Association provides legal defense for homeschool families with a dedicated Special Needs program. Consultants review test reports, make curriculum recommendations, maintain a directory of homeschool-friendly providers, and help navigate special education law. Curriculum grants available for families in financial need.

National

Indiana's protection and advocacy organization providing legal services, advocacy, and information for people with disabilities.

4701 N. Keystone Ave., Suite 222, Indianapolis, IN 46205

800-622-4845

Indiana

Federally designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal advocacy for Kentuckians with disabilities.

502-564-2967

Kentucky

Specializes exclusively in special education and education law, handling IEP disputes, due process claims, Section 504, ADA matters, and school discipline from pre-K through graduation.

11325 Random Hills Road, Suite 360-110, Fairfax, VA 22030

(703) 225-3395

Virginia · fairfax

Family-led nonprofit that advocates for policies to protect and improve the lives of people with complex medical needs and disabilities. Lobbies for accessible healthcare, education, and community inclusion.

National

Full-service firm with elder law and special needs practice led by Certified Elder Law Attorney, offering special needs trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and estate planning.

11350 Random Hills Road, Suite 500, Fairfax, VA 22030

(703) 273-2288

Virginia · fairfax

Michigan's designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal services and advocacy for people with disabilities.

4095 Legacy Pkwy., Suite 500, Lansing, MI 48911

800-288-5923

Michigan

Minnesota's designated protection and advocacy organization providing free legal services for people with disabilities.

430 1st Ave. N., Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401

800-292-4150

Minnesota

Missouri's designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal advocacy for people with disabilities.

925 S. Country Club Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109

800-392-8667

Missouri

The largest provider of legally based advocacy services for people with disabilities in the US. Offers resources on disability rights language, legal advocacy, and connecting with state protection and advocacy agencies.

820 First Street NE, Suite 740, Washington, DC 20002

(202) 408-9514

National

Nevada's federally mandated protection and advocacy system since 1995. Provides information and referral, education, training, investigation of abuse and neglect, legal counsel, technical assistance, and public policy work at no cost. Offices in Las Vegas, Reno, and Elko.

Nevada

Local Arc chapter serving Marion and Hamilton Counties, providing advocacy and support services for people with developmental disabilities.

7701 E 21st St, Indianapolis, IN 46219

(317) 375-2708

Indiana · Indianapolis

Oklahoma's federally mandated Protection and Advocacy system since 1977. Provides free legal assistance, facility monitoring, workshops on legal rights, and advocacy to protect, promote, and expand the rights of people with disabilities. Offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

4334 NW Expressway, Suite 124, Oklahoma City, OK 73116

(405) 525-7755

Oklahoma

Oregon's federally designated protection and advocacy system providing legal advocacy, information, and referral for people with disabilities.

610 SW Broadway, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97205

503-243-2081

Oregon · Statewide

Virginia's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center helping families navigate special education, understand disability rights, and advocate effectively for their children with disabilities.

8003 Forbes Place, Suite 310, Springfield, VA 22151

(800) 869-6782

Virginia · Statewide

Special education attorney representing families of students with autism, ADHD, emotional disabilities, and learning disabilities. Handles IEPs, due process, and school meetings.

2503-D North Harrison Street, #1137, Arlington, VA 22207

(703) 241-1391

Virginia · arlington

North Dakota's designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal services and advocacy for people with disabilities.

400 East Broadway, Suite 409, Bismarck, ND 58501

800-472-2670

North Dakota

Federally designated protection and advocacy organization providing legal advocacy for South Carolinians with disabilities.

866-275-7273

South Carolina

National network of attorneys specializing in disability law, public benefits, and estate planning. Members help families create special needs trusts, navigate SSI/Medicaid eligibility, and plan for long-term financial security.

National

Established in 1950, providing advocacy, employment, community living, and support services for people with disabilities and their families in the St. Louis area.

1177 N Warson Road, Saint Louis, MO 63132

(314) 569-2211

Missouri · St. Louis

Local Arc chapter serving the Baton Rouge area, providing community programs, advocacy, and support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

12616 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816

(225) 927-0855

Louisiana · Baton Rouge

Local Arc chapter serving Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck, providing advocacy and community programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

51 West Hancock Street, Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 831-0202

Michigan · Detroit

Local Arc chapter serving and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences, providing residential, employment, and community programs.

1050 N Davis St, Jacksonville, FL 32209

(904) 355-0155

Florida · Jacksonville

Local Arc chapter serving Kent County, providing disability services, advocacy, and community inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

2922 Fuller Ave NE Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

(616) 459-3339

Michigan · Grand Rapids

Local Arc chapter providing community programs and support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Macon area.

4664 Sheraton Dr, Macon, GA 31210

(478) 477-7764

Georgia · Macon

Independent Arc affiliate chapter serving northeastern Minnesota including St. Louis, Carlton, Lake, Cook, Itasca, and Koochiching Counties with advocacy and inclusion services.

Suite 302, 222 E Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802

(218) 726-4725

Minnesota · Duluth

Local Arc chapter serving Benton County, providing supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

928 NW Beca Avenue, Corvallis, OR 97330

(541) 753-1711

Oregon · Corvallis

Local Arc chapter serving the Birmingham area, providing lifelong support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

6001 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35212

(205) 323-6383

Alabama · Birmingham

Local Arc chapter providing day support programs, advocacy, and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Lynchburg area.

1508 Bedford Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24504

(434) 845-4071

Virginia · Lynchburg

Local Arc chapter providing advocacy, information and referral, respite care, and supported community living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

680 2nd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

(319) 365-0487

Iowa · Cedar Rapids

Local Arc chapter providing advocacy and community services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the greater Louisville area.

177 Travis Road, Shepherdsville, KY 40165

(502) 939-8273

Kentucky · Louisville

Local Arc chapter serving the Greater New Orleans area, providing advocacy and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

925 Labarre Road, Metairie, LA 70001

(504) 881-1904

Louisiana · New Orleans

Local Arc chapter serving Lane County, providing advocacy and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

4181 E Street, Springfield, OR 97478

(541) 343-5256

Oregon · Eugene

Local Arc chapter championing advocacy, acceptance, and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including group homes, early childhood programs, and an autism clinic.

1100 Washington St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801

(256) 539-2266

Alabama · Huntsville

Local Arc chapter serving Mecklenburg County/Charlotte area with advocacy and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

4108 Park Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28209

(704) 332-4535

North Carolina · Charlotte

Volunteer-based local Arc chapter serving northeast Mississippi, providing advocacy and community programs for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities.

231 Rankin Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38804

(662) 212-1850

Mississippi · Tupelo

Local Arc chapter at the Ollie Webb Center serving the Omaha area, providing advocacy, inclusion programs, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

1941 S 42nd St Ste 122, Omaha, NE 68105

(402) 346-5220

Nebraska · Omaha

Local Arc chapter serving over 1,000 Miami-Dade County citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community programs and support services.

14100 Palmetto Frontage Road, Suite 200, Miami Lakes, FL 33016

Florida · Miami

Founded in 1957, providing advocacy, respite care, and supported community living for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Johnson and surrounding counties.

2620 Muscatine Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240

(319) 351-5017

Iowa · Iowa City

Local Arc chapter founded in 1963, providing advocacy, after-school programs, and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in southwest Georgia.

220 Stuart Avenue, Albany, GA 31707

(229) 888-6852

Georgia · Albany

Local Arc chapter serving southwest Missouri, providing community support, applied behavior analysis, family advocacy, and community living services.

1501 E Pythian St, Springfield, MO 65802

Missouri · Springfield

Local Arc chapter serving the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area, providing advocacy and community support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

5121 Hollyridge Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612

(919) 942-5119

North Carolina · Raleigh

The nation's largest community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Provides advocacy, resources, education, and support through 600+ state and local chapters.

1-800-433-5255

National

Statewide advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities providing legislative advocacy, family support, and connections to local Arc chapters across Virginia.

2025 E Main Street, Suite 120, Richmond, VA 23223

(804) 649-8481

Virginia · Statewide

Local Arc chapter serving Portland metro area, providing advocacy, services, and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

6929 NE Halsey, Portland, OR 97213

(503) 223-7279

Oregon · Portland

Local Arc chapter providing services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Tampa Bay region.

1501 N Belcher Rd Ste 249, Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 799-3330

Florida · Tampa Bay

Customized and affordable estate planning, special needs planning, guardianships, conservatorships, and long-term care planning throughout Northern Virginia.

6564 Loisdale Court, Suite 600, Springfield, VA 22150

(571) 403-2619

Virginia · springfield

Devoted to student legal issues with a focus on special education law, representing parents in IEP and 504 matters for students with autism, learning disabilities, and emotional disabilities.

9300 West Courthouse Road, Suite 202, Manassas, VA 20110

(703) 291-6660

Virginia · manassas

Special needs law services including special needs trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and special education advocacy for families in Northern Virginia.

8270 Greensboro Drive, Suite 810, McLean, VA 22102

(703) 883-0102

Virginia · mclean

Special education advocacy including IEP and 504 plan support across Loudoun, Prince William, Fairfax, and Arlington counties.

208 Church Street SE, Leesburg, VA 20176

(571) 565-5440

Virginia · leesburg

State agency promoting full participation of people with disabilities in Virginia through advocacy, policy development, grant-making, and public awareness initiatives.

1100 Bank Street, 7th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219

(800) 846-4464

Virginia · Statewide

The leading resource for special education law and advocacy. Free articles, legal cases, and strategies for IEPs, Section 504, and IDEA. Essential for understanding what services homeschooled children may still access from public schools.

National

Wyoming's federally mandated Protection and Advocacy agency providing free legal advocacy, information, referral, and representation to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Programs cover abuse and neglect, assistive technology, education, employment, and community integration.

Wyoming